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Looking for a tutorial on how to install and use NordVPN on Android TV? Read this article.
This tutorial will teach you how to install and use NordVPN on Android.
Table of contents:
Downloading and installing
Setting up and using the app
Choosing between different servers
Settings
(Optional) Sideload the NordVPN app
Downloading and installing
First, download and install the NordVPN mobile app on your Android device.
- Open Play Store.
- Enter NordVPN in the search bar and select the NordVPN app. Tap Install.
Setting up and using the NordVPN mobile app
- Once you’ve installed the application, tap to open it.
- In the main menu, tap SIGN UP to create a new account or LOG IN if you already have one.
- Pressing on any of the two buttons above will open your browser and take you to our Nord Account page, where you can either proceed with logging in or creating an account.
- If you're only signing up, you will be prompted to pick a plan before you may begin using the service.
Tip: Don't forget to use a strong password on your NordVPN account, as it will help you to avoid credential stuffing attacks and will keep your account safe.As generating and remembering strong and secure passwords is not an easy task, we recommend downloading a free password manager, like NordPass. It generates secure passwords for you and stores them safely, letting you avoid time-wasting password resets in the future.
NordPass offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, so you can reach your passwords whenever and wherever you need them, even offline.
- If this is your first time logging in, you will be notified about our CyberSec feature. You can read more about it here.
To turn it on, tap Enable CyberSec.
Note: Due to Google’s policies, CyberSec will no longer block ads on the NordVPN app downloaded from the Google Play Store. However, it will keep protecting you from malicious websites and other cyber threats. To get the ad-blocking feature, download VPN for Android from our website.
- You can tap QUICK CONNECT to automatically connect to a server recommended by our smart algorithm, which chooses a server based on your needs and preferences.
- You may see one or more default Android warning messages about VPN connections. These are shown for all VPN apps. Check the box to trust the application and press OK to proceed.
- Once you connect to a server, you can choose to pause the VPN connection for 5 minutes/ 30 minutes/ 1 hour or disconnect entirely.
Choosing between different servers
- Tap on a country pin and press QUICK CONNECT to automatically connect to the best server for you in that country, as determined by our smart algorithm. In some cases, you can also swipe up the country’s card to see specific servers.
- You can see all the available countries by swiping up from the bottom of the app with no country pins selected. Tap on the country you want to connect to, and you will automatically be connected to a server in that country.
You can tap on the three dots next to a country to select a specific city.
- To view our specialty servers, swipe up from the bottom of the app with no country pin selected, and tap on Specialty servers. Swipe up again and select one of the following servers: P2P, Obfuscated, Dedicated IP, Double VPN, or Onion over VPN. You will automatically be connected to a server.
Managing servers
- To find a specific server, swipe up from the bottom of the app with no country pin selected and tap Search.
- Enter the name of a specific server. For example, United States 4559.
VPN settings for Android
- On the map screen, tap the cog icon in the top-left corner to access My Account & Settings.
- You will see your subscription details and find 7 sections: VPN connection, Tools, General, Help center, Security level, Refer a friend, and Discover our other apps. Let's break down each one.
Auto-connect: this option allows you to have the app automatically connect you to a VPN server the soonest there is access to the internet. Click here to learn more about this feature.
Protocol: here you can switch between TCP, UDP, and NordLynx connection protocols. In short terms, the TCP protocol makes the connection slightly more stable, at the cost of speed. UDP, on the other hand, offers the opposite: a speedier, though a less reliable connection. NordLynx has the best of both worlds, it provides the speed and the reliability.
Split tunneling: allows you to specify which apps go through the VPN connection.
DNS: specifies a particular DNS server for the NordVPN app.
Local network discovery: lets you stay invisible to devices on your local area network (LAN) when disabled.
Metered connection: gives you more control over the data usage.
CyberSec: protects you from intrusive ads, malware sites, phishing links, and other threats.
Due to Google’s policies, CyberSec no longer blocks ads for NordVPN apps downloaded from the Google Play Store. However, it still protects you from malicious websites and other cyber threats. You can download the NordVPN app with a working ad blocker directly from our website.
Kill Switch: blocks unprotected traffic if the VPN connection drops. This feature is available only on Android 7.0 and later versions. Once enabled, split-tunneling will not work.
Dark Web Monitor: scans the internet for any credential leaks associated with your registered NordVPN e-mail address. Read more about it by clicking here.
Tapjacking protection: keeps you safe from unintentional disconnects by requiring 2 steps to disable VPN.
Appearance: the go-to settings section for changing between light, dark and neutral display modes.
Multi-factor authentication (or MFA): provides an additional layer of protection for your account. When MFA is enabled, you'll need to first enter your password, and then allow the login attempt using a separate app. Read more about MFA here.
Contact us: in case you have a question, drop us a letter by pressing on this setting and filling out a short form. Alternatively, you can always try searching for an answer on the Help Center to get a quick solution or answer.
App logs: contains information useful for troubleshooting connectivity issues. Slow connection speed, or can't connect to NordVPN servers? Press on App Logs, then 'Send to Support & Create Ticket' and we'll take it from there.
Privacy Policy: here are laid out the Privacy terms you accept when accessing, installing and/or using our services.
Terms of Service: a detailed dive into the information you need to know about our services.
The security score: gives a good breakdown of what steps can be taken to ensure increased security.
Auto-connect
- Select which networks NordVPN can use to automatically establish a VPN connection on Android: cellular networks, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, or Always (for any network).
- Under Settings, choose the servers the app will automatically connect to: the Fastest available server, one of the servers from your Recent Connections, once of the Specialty servers, or a server in a specific country.
- In the Trusted networks section, you can disable Auto-Connect on specific Wi-Fi networks. For example, you can make an exception for your home Wi-Fi if you trust it.
Please note: you cannot exempt specific Wi-Fi networks on Android 10 or later versions due to security changes in the Android OS.
(Optional) Sideload the NordVPN app
If you're unable to download NordVPN from the Google Play Store, you can get the .apk file here.
To install the app, you will need to change the security settings on your device. Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > More Settings > Install unknown apps. Select the browser you used to download the NordVPN .apk file and enable Allow from this source.
On Android version 7.0 and below, you can find this option in Settings > Security > Unknown sources.
